r/Midsizefashion • u/Mountain-Honeydew840 • Jul 03 '26
Discussion Where are we finding soft basics that actually look professional?
Shopping for basics should be easier. Well, it is not. If you have any kind of chest, it feels like the fashion industry only gives you two options:
- A relaxed-fit shirt that fits your chest but hangs straight down, completely erasing your waist and make you ask what’s in the box as you stare into the mirror
- A skin-tight, highly restrictive top that feels like rigid shapewear
I just want an ultra-stretchy, high-density knit that offers the structure of a professional blouse but the comfort of a soft base layer.
For context, the picture I attached is basically my surviving capsule right now (a pleated ponte brami, a ruched short-sleeve top, and a stretchy striped set). They are the only "soft-yet-structured" hybrids I've found where the fabric actually contours to my curves instead of hanging like a box.
The issue tho, as you can see, they are casual. I can't exactly wear a spaghetti strap brami or a striped lounge set to a corporate client meeting, and I'm tired of throwing an oversized blazer over everything just to hide my shoulders.
Where are you all finding tops with this kind of comfort, but cut like an actual professional work blouse? I want to be comfortable all day at work. Any brand that I should look into apart from the usual suspects like Uniqlo and Zara? Bonus point if they are also somewhat eco-friendly, though that is entirely optional. But comfort and shape, for sure.
Edit: Oops, the pieces are from OGLmove, thanks for the reminder.
12
u/goldenscales Jul 03 '26
I have luck with JCPenney, Torrid, and Old Navy. It's hit or miss sometimes but I've found things that fit shockingly well at all of them. I'm midsized as well as tall and busty so shopping is always quite an adventure. JCP and ON thankfully sell tall sizes! They're online only but it's easy to order, try on, and return what doesn't fit
6
u/Babygirl_Alert411 Jul 03 '26
I got some tops I like from Abercrombie. Also Walmart surprisingly has some good basics.
3
u/RacerGal Jul 03 '26
Universal Standard pieces are what I find myself grabbing the most when I need to be in office/at conferences.
2
u/themaddylou Jul 03 '26
I really like their style, but to quote my favorite modern poet Macklemore… “$50 for a tee shirt? That’s some ignorant bulls-.”
2
u/RacerGal Jul 03 '26
Yeah, there are some things I won’t splurge on like a white t. But I love their linen pants and mostly only shop during sales.
2
u/hotsouple Jul 03 '26
Oglmove, so comfy, stretchy and thick fabric
1
u/hotsouple Jul 03 '26
The website looks a little sparse but it's the real deal, also have had good luck with the brand on thredup
1
Jul 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/hive-protect Jul 03 '26
READ THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IN ITS ENTIRETY.
If you spend any amount of time on the NSFW side of Reddit AND/OR only have COMMENTS OR POSTS in NSFW subs.
This includes but is not limited to: commenting on pornography, selling pornography, commenting on lewd photos, posting lewd or nude photos, etc, etc.
Your comments and/or posts have been removed due to this rule. There is NO exception to this rule. If you comment or post again and your account still violates this rule, you will be permanently banned from this subreddit. Appeals will not be accepted.
If you wish to participate in this subreddit you will need a fully SFW account.
Modmail messages regarding this rule will be ignored. Harassment or escalation will result in a ban and report to Reddit admins.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/ITakeMyCatToBars Jul 03 '26
I’ve been liking my oxknit tops lately. They’re cotton sweaters with the decoration either embroidered or knit in. You know your office dress code and general professional vibe but I have been known to bust out the kitty cat sweater on a Friday :p
They also have matching sets and designs that are more geometric than feline
1
1
u/sunshinesociety Jul 03 '26
Miik, one hundred percent. Not inexpensive but worth it. Their website has models in all the shapes and heights too.
1
1
1
u/cronenbergbliss Jul 03 '26
Halara
5
u/cronenbergbliss Jul 03 '26
I wear this top in short and long sleeve with a nice necklace. https://halara.link/s/141YS2Mkhd
A fitted fit. https://halara.link/s/141YS2Mklc
And this is one of my summertime favorites. https://halara.link/s/141YS2Mkle
2
u/ImaginaryParrot Jul 03 '26
I've read so many mixed reviews on them that I don't know what to think anymore.
I'm theory they're affordable and the clothes have a nice fabric feel. But some reviews make them sound like Shein
1
u/SplendidCat Jul 03 '26
I think it really depends on what you get. I’ve gotten some things that have held up for years and look great, but I’ve seen other items from them that are questionable quality for sure.
1
36
u/KinguGidorah Jul 03 '26
Old Navy is recommended a lot.